AGUA BENTA

In a world of discardable fashion, Constança Entrudo’s pieces stand as a direct confrontation to these values of excess. Not only does she source her textiles directly from the surplus of the Portuguese fabric industry. But she then designs her pieces highlighting the fragility and rawness of her fabric, bringing the fabric in all its nature to the forefront of the piece. Água Benta wants to further this discussion, of fabric and fashion, questioning its excess and the traditions we are leaving behind. Constança’s pieces are shot in a local Lisbon Lavadouro, a municipal washbasin where for generations women have gathered to wash and attentively tend their garments. This lavadouro is about to close its doors, following Lisbon’s growing gentrification. This is Beatriz and Maria’s homecoming debut. Here they are committing to reinterpret the traditions of portuguese wear and all it represents. With Agua Benta they delve into the rich folklore history of lavadouros, filling it with warm colors, disruptive design. A young boy washing clothes, standing where women have always stood. The purpose of this project was to connect young creatives, within a free environment to reinterpreted their very own Portuguese tradition and heritage, after some of them being away from Portugal for so long. Recreating the social community atmosphere of the place, by bringing together young portuguese from diverse creative areas. This project stands not only as a tribute to this space and its rich history. But also as a celebration of the tradition and artistry of the lavadouro as a place where the longevity and nature of the fabric was always upheld and attentively cared for. We believe in a sustainable fashion industry, where fabric care, durability and reuse of garments are at the forefront of innovative design.